About Us

Arla Albers, a retired Navy Commander and mother of two wonderful girls, is recognized as one of the premier face painters in the Washington DC Area.  She has also retired from 20 wonderful years as 

“Go-Go the Clown,” (NOT the one currently on Facebook.)  As a clown, Arla won the title of Best Overall Clown and was also awarded in two categories top 10 in the Clowns of America International. 

 When she retired from clowning,  Arla changed the name of the business to "Faces by Arla and Company" to follow her artistic passion.

Holding a master's degree in organizational development, she has demonstrated her passion all over the globe by teaching face painting to artists in the U.S.  and performing as a featured face painter and balloonist on Royal Caribbean cruise lines. 

Seriously dedicated to the art of entertainment and face painting, Arla frequently continues her artistic education by attending and teaching at international face and body art conventions as well as other conventions across the country. 

Faces by Arla and Company offers an excellent selection of performers ranging from balloonists, face painters, caricature artists, and don’t forget… Mrs. Claus and the elves around the holidays!

Arla believes in using only the best for you and your child's face.

Interesting Facts about Arla
She has performed for the White House, several congressmen, several American Legion Posts and several upscale country clubs in the Washington DC Metro Area.

Arla's 2 hour full-face design placed top 5 at the Face And Body Art International Convention in 2012. 

 Arla has been hand selected to go on both the Oasis and Allure, two of Royal Caribbean's newest ships as a face painter and balloonist. 

She is licensed and Insured.

Arla performs as Mrs. Claus annually in the Reston Town center parade.

Arla's philosophy is that her business is to make YOU look good to your guests or clients.

We are the best and the fastest face painters in the DC area.

 Wow your work is superb!! Everyone was super happy with their beautiful face paintings!! I'm definitely keeping your contact info for future parties.   (Paloma J.  Sept. 2018)  

Their faces sure looked great all painted! You truly have such a gift. Thanks again   (James B. 2018)

Thank you so much for making the party so much fun and so festive! People loved the designs.  My personal favorite was the little boy with the shark arm.  The bubbles were also a huge hit. I will definitely call you if we do another party in the future.   
(Dipa  J. 2018) 

Thank you, Arla, for those wonderful balloons. The kids loved it!!! They were all gone :) you're the BEST! 

 (Ramya G. 2018) 

I was very impressed by your work and speed!  (Daniela P. - International Children's Festival 2018)

 Thank you again Arla. Your face painting received so many compliments!                (Carine May 2018)

Thank you for making William's party extra special! You are so talented!!  

(Amanda L.  April 2018)

Everyone said you were the best part of the day {Take your child to work day}, and we would love to have you back again soon. (Natasha S. (Lowe-RE) 2018)

Overheard wife to husband: "Arla charged me $195 and it was worth EVERY penny!"  (Jan. 2018)

Faces by Arla & Company serves the Metropolitan Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC area including the Virginia  cities of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir, Fort Washington, Great Falls, Herndon, McLean, Oakton, Oak Hill, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Vienna, Woodbridge, Leesburg,  and in Maryland....Bethesda, 

Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, Potomac, Rockville and Silver Spring.

Arla will personally travel up to Gaithersburg, MD and within 10 minutes of the beltway into Maryland,  as far south in Virginia as Potomac Mills, and as far west as Leesburg.

Want Arla in another area than the above?  She is amenable to traveling (for compensation for the travel, overnight fees, etc.)